Hepatitis C CT
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Hepatitis C |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Hepatitis C CT On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatitis C CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
CT scan of HCV infection often shows hepatomegaly in the acute and early chronic HCV phase. It may, however, show normal findings. In contrast, findings on CT scan may be consistent with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, such as widening of the portal tract, ascites, and hepatosplenomegaly, or hepatic and extrahepatic masses suggestive of localized hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis, respectively.
CT Imaging
Computed tomography (CT) scan findings of HCV are non-specific. In the majority of patients with acute HCV infection, CT scan will show normal findings or enlarged liver volume suggestive of hepatomegaly.
CT scan may also be helpful in the diagnosis of HCV-induced hepatic complications:
CT Scan Findings of Cirrhosis
Early Findings[1]
CT scan is insensitive and unspecific in early cirrhosis. Early findings may include:
- Hepatomegaly or shrunken liver
- Widening of the porta hepatis
- Enlarged interlobar fissure
- Expansion of pericholecystic space
- Portal hypertension
- Visible left gastric, retrogastric, paraumbilical and other venous collaterals
- Splenomegaly
- Ascites
- Intra and retroperitoneal edema
- Small bowel and gallbladder wall thickening
Late Findings[1]
- Diffuse hepatic fatty infiltration
- Heterogeneous aspect of the liver
- Hypoattenuation of the liver parenchyma
- Regenerative nodules observed in the monitory of patients
- Nodular hepatic appearance
CT Scan Findings of Hepatocellular Carcinoma[1]
The evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to viral hepatitis and subsequent cirrhosis requires a triple phase evaluation of the liver.[1]
- Mass of variable size
- Homogeneous aspect (small masses) or heterogeneous aspect (large masses)
- Presence of hypodense fibrous capsule
- Intranodular vascular changes
- Infiltration of adjacent structures
- Mass lesions in distant organs suggestive of distant metastasis